Monday, September 29, 2014

Tourism Jakarta Partners with Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours, Singapore

Tourism Jakarta has partnered with Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours, Singapore to launch a free of charge destination app to help future holidaymakers design their own Indonesian adventures.

It is one of the first long haul travel apps Westhill has produced, and the first one that offers users the chance of downloading seven added stand-alone travel guides each representing a diverse places in Indonesia.

It is offered on iOS 7.0 or later and is compatible with iPhone, iPad and iPod touch and even all android phones.

All of the entire substance has been authored by experts based in Indonesia and will be keep posted over the next 12 months to guarantee the endorsements for restaurants, bars, beaches, wildlife experiences and accommodation are all up to date.

Irwan Atmadja, Tourism Jakarta’s Regional General Manager, says the app will be a great help for every tourists desiring to make the most of Indonesia’s range of attractions. You will have no complaints.

 “We are aware that some tourists might at first feel a little intimidated because there are so many must-see places and experiences in Indonesia,” Mr. Atmadja says. “However this new app will present them how straightforward preparing a holiday Down Under can be.”

“The app bids Indonesian holidays in a selection of two, three and four week itineraries. The formation of guides also helps describe the diversity of the country’s attractions, giving insider tips from local experts on how to make the most of a stay in each region.”

He further added “We are delighted to have worked in partnership with Westhill to bring the first country-wide guide to the award-winning Travel app. Emphasizing only the very best of this delightfully varied country by using resident experts, this free app has already been downloaded by 150,000 people. With rousing itineraries, interactive mapping, GPS tracking and insider advice on where to stay, eat, and drink and what to experience, this is your passport to a better trip down under.” 

They also gave tips and warnings about scams in the city so you can avoid them.


Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Things to See and Do in Mount Bromo

WESTHILL CONSULTING, TRAVEL & TOURS, INC., Singapore provides services such as booking, tour facilitation, travel documentation and other related services to Southeast Asian. This article will present you other destination in Indonesia aside from Bali and Jakarta.

Hike Mount Bromo
With its iconic distorted top and smoldering smoke, Mount Bromo is the focus of the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park. Visit at sunrise to observe of spectacular views of the Sea of Sand and the nearby misty peaks.

Go to the Madakaripura Waterfall
Legend says cleansing in the cool waters of these falls is the elixir of life. Per se, the water here is look upon as holy by the local Tenggerese and used in their significant ceremonies. Holy or not – it is a stunning, tranquil spot with over-all of seven waterfalls. Weather this is a fraud or not, this place is worth visiting.

Stopover the Poten
The Poten is the Tenggerese Hindu temple that stands in in all its enigmatic magnificence within the Sea of Sand surrounding Mount Bromo. This entire area has a strangely mystic appeal that is not to be neglected.

Meander Through Beautifully Colorful Houses
The local Tenggerese houses tend toward the wildly colorful. Walk around the village near Mount Bromo to take in this uniquely beautiful culture reflected in their houses.

Hike Mount Batok
Warning, this beauty will take you to the dreamlike experience. Mount Batok is a stunning volcano to the north of Mount Bromo. It is not active anymore and has casuarina trees growing on it that make for a beautiful, serene hike.

Hike Mount Semeru
Situated at the far south end of the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park, Mount Semeru bids an exciting hike for the most serious and fit of trekkers. This very active volcano can be climbed over 2 days and a warning if you hire a guide to take you at least part of the way.

What to Eat in Mount Bromo
There are very rare independent restaurants or dining options here – more often than not restaurants are a portion of lodges and hotels and you’ll most probably be eating where you sleep.

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Least Visited Countries in Europe


WESTHILL CONSULTING, TRAVEL & TOURS, INC., Singapore provides services such as booking, tour facilitation, travel documentation and other related services to Southeast Asian countries such as KL Malaysia, Bangkok Thailand, Jakarta Indonesia and many more, as well as anywhere around the world including Europe.

Moldova: 11,000 visitors/year. There are many reasons why Moldova is the least visited country and has few number of visitors such as it’s in between the Ukraine and Romania and is tough to enter to; it has no any iconic tourist attractions, however it does have some outstanding wineries; and part of the country, Transnistria, is a de-facto breakaway republic that is a relic to the glory days of the USSR. However if you’re looking to one-up your friends in the European travel game, there’s no better destination than Moldova. Reviews will prove you for sure.

Liechtenstein: 54,000 visitors/year
Liechtenstein only has a inhabitants of 36,000, so, all things measured; it’s in fact doing pretty well in the tourism game. And you will not ever have to worry about fraud. The minute principality is merely 160 square kilometers, or roughly the 1/5 the size of San Francisco, and is set high in the Alps sandwiched between Switzerland and Austria. Vaduz, its capital city, has a little cool sight such as castle, wineries and a car-free city center. Nevertheless why settle for just visiting Liechtenstein when you can rule it. For just $70,000 per night, travelers can rent the whole country. Certainly, the residents stay – therefore it’s more of a sharing agreement – but then again guests get to hotplate handhold with the crown prince and accommodation for up to 150 guests

Belarus: 119,000 visitors/year. Belarus is every so often called “Europe’s last dictatorship,” which speaks pretty much the whole thing one needs to discern as to why it’s one of the least visited countries in Europe. Given that fact, the country is faultlessly safe for visitors despite its stunted political process, it’s just that there are not a lot of iconic tourist attractions to charm visitors. The capital, Minsk, is a delightful city, however, that’s a enjoyable place to pass a few days.

San Marino: 139,000 visitors/year. San Marino is so tiny (60 square kilometers) that it makes Liechtenstein seem huge in comparison. Its small size is exactly why it ranks so low on visitors, as not lots of of the tourists who visit San Marino really stay overnight so they are therefore not included in these numbers. The ones who do visit overnight can devote their time discovering the country’s nine settlements, visiting its castles and drenched up the history of the world’s oldest republic

Monaco: 292,000 visitors/year. The tiny city-state of Monaco may only receive 292,000 overnight visitors each year, but the visitors it does receive have a proclivity for being extremely rich and powerful. Think more oligarchs and less backpacker. It’s a great place to park your yacht, the French Riviera is lovely and the casino in Monte Carlo is the place to visit. For less wealthy visitors, Monaco still some of attractions worth trying out; the Oceanographic Museum of Monaco is an incredible first stop.


Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours, Singapore: Most Visited Countries in Asia

China: 57,581,000 foreign visitors/year. Like Jakarta Indonesia China is one of the most populous country but China despite receives a load of international tourists and these figures don’t even take Hong Kong or Macau into account, two independent cities of China that merge for about 30 million foreign entrances every year. The amount of visitors traveling to China is simply anticipated to upsurge, since the country remains to improve and open up its doors to international travelers. Top-tier fascinations in the country consist of the historic sights of Beijing, the city life of Shanghai, the mountains of Guilin and the Terracotta Army near Xi’an.

Malaysia: 24,714,000 foreign visitors/year. The doorway point for most visitors to Malaysia is the international airport at Kuala Lumpur, a city well-known for the Petronas Twin Towers and its exceptional shopping. However Malaysia has so much more to bid visitors than merely a city. For example, some of the world’s finest scuba diving is located in Sipadan off the coast of Borneo Malaysia, whereas the islands near the Malaysian Peninsula such as Tioman and Langkawi are some of the top beach destinations in Asia.

Hong Kong: 22,316,000 foreign visitors/year. Indeed, Hong Kong’s figures are increased by visitors from nearby Mainland China who come to Hong Kong in hordes to purchase luxury goods from its splendid shopping malls and to take advantage of its standing as a free port – no sales tax and no import tariffs. However, still, 22 million visitors for what chiefly compares to a city-state is rather remarkable! And although without the day trips of its shopaholic neighbors Hong Kong nevertheless collects almost nine million overnight visitors yearly.

Thailand: 19,230,000 foreign visitors/year. Reviews say it all! Thailand is an extremely famous travel destination, as its virgin beaches and tropical islands have been the focus of a innumerable number of films and holiday day dreams and its capital city, Bangkok, is the world’s most visited city, getting an astonishing 15,980,000 visitors per year. The top-secret to Thailand’s success: beautiful places, affordable prices and a hospitable people.

Macau: 12,925,000 foreign visitors/year. Similar to Hong Kong, Macau is a special administrative region of the People’s Republic of China. The reason it’s not hustled mutually with China or Hong Kong according to World Bank statistics is since Macau keeps control over its own borders, like Hong Kong, and grants visa-free entry to over 60 nationalities. Many travelers visit Macau because of its world’s foremost gambling center, having exceeded even the mighty Las Vegas in gambling receipts. Warning, you might go home with an empty wallet!

Read more : Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Cheap Travel Destinations in Asia

Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours, Singapore presents you cheap travel destinations in Southwest Asia aside from the usual Jakarta Indonesia or Beijing China.

Taipei, Taiwan


Maybe because of its unglamorous reputation, Taipei does not frequently get recognized for the low-priced bliss it is. Although taxis and hotels can be more costly that the other places on this list, what matters most is the food and shopping. The boundless night markets run a way to pamper in visible ingesting and stuff your face on the cheap. The subway charges are likewise unbelievably sensible, topping off around US$2. The city covers all the international eases of home on a noble price scale, flawlessly mingling comfort and pleasure.

Penang, Malaysia


Reviews say Malaysia tends to be left last on must-see lists, however the country is inexpensive and stunning, and the food is delightful, given that a trifecta of whys and wherefores to visit. Penang bids an astounding mixture of cultures, architecture and food so that all tourists are certain to discover something to right their budget. Must-see museums such as the Cheong Fatt Tze Mansion charges just US$4 for a guided tour, whilst climbing Penang Hill or the Temple of Supreme Bliss is free. The extensive range of culinary satisfactions, whether from street stalls, Little India or local pastry shops make bellies and wallets contented. But be also very watchful of some scams in the country.

Chiang Mai, Thailand


It isn’t a fraud when you say Thailand’s capital continues to be inexpensive and jolly, however it’s the northern part of the country that truly contents wanderlust and a tight fist. Even wallowing out on a hotel does not automatically mean a broken budget. Low-priced eats overflow, and the night markets are besides wallet-friendly. In Chiang Mai, there are a plethora of free or crazy cheap things to do, many with an tinge of adrenaline to them. Cliff jump, go zorbing, or ride an elephant for nothing or next to it, and then relax at the hot springs or with a massage at the women’s prison.

Sapa, Vietnam


As a whole, Vietnam is a sanctuary for saving money. The country’s home to the world’s low-priced beer, hoi bia, and it basically needs additional effort studying how to order it in Vietnamese than it does to pay for it. In Sapa, rent a motorbike for the day for around US$5 to do some traveling. Sapa is likewise a perfect location as it sits in the center of some of Vietnam’s best view. Grab the motorbike and find Silver Waterfall, one of the many markets or close villages. Going in winter as well cuts costs, as the entry visa is cut-rate compare in summertime.

Tuesday, September 9, 2014

Westhill Consulting Review: Hiking Mount Bromo

WESTHILL CONSULTING, TRAVEL & TOURS, INC., Singapore provides services such as booking, tour facilitation, travel documentation and other related services to Southeast Asian. This article will present you other destination in Indonesia aside from Bali and Jakarta.

Without a doubt the furthermost popular rationale people come to the Bromo-Tengger-Semeru National Park is to hike the collapsed yet nevertheless penetratingly smoldering Mount Bromo. There are three mountain peaks situated in the Mount Bromo area, identified as the Tengger Highlands. Mount Bromo is the most well-known and sited at the center of the Tengger Highlands caldera, bounded by a huge, unreasonable Sea of Sand. Protecting Mount Bromo from the north and south, Mount Batok and Mount Kursi appeared. The whole area is merely denoted to as Mount Bromo by the locals. Reviews will tell you how beautiful the place is according to its previous visitors.

The most popular preference for travelers considering hiking Mount Bromo is to doze in the close village of Cemoro Lawang. From the village of Cemoro Lawang, there are distinct paths that will take you less than an hour to walk up Mount Bromo.


To reach Mount Bromo, basically take the left fork at Cemoro Lawang’s private crossing, then and there head down the ramp into the caldera and then through the caldera to the Hindu temple (Poten) at the bottom of the mountain. Starting at the temple, keep an eye on the sheer path of 250 concrete steps that leash to the verge of Mount Bromo’s crater. It is a delightful walk up to the crater, nonetheless in instance you don’t feel like walking, numerous villagers bargain horseback rides. A round-trip on horseback charges 100,000 IDR ($10 USD) and a single trip back charges 30,000 IDR ($3 USD). Bear in mind that the views of Mount Bromo’s otherworldly landscape are finest just as the sun rises. The sun rise occurs around 5:30 AM, which means you’ll have to be up by 3:30 AM to hike to the watch point in time for daybreak. Luckily, the Mount Bromo area is concerned with early-morning activity and there will be eateries open and ready to serve you breakfast. Not-so-fortunately, a warning it is surely cold at this hour so make sure to dress warmly. Note: There are numerous guides and tours accessible to and around the Mount Bromo area, however the national park is without difficulty can be explored on your own. Watch out for scam and fraud tourists guides.

Thursday, September 4, 2014

Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours Review: What to Know Before Traveling to Jakarta

Be cautious during the flood season
Aka “Banjir” which happens during December to April, particularly in lower parts of the city, flooding is pretty rampant. This happens more especially in areas nearby rivers.

Public transit is untrustworthy and irregular
Buses and trains are not the best method to get around. Expats who live in Jakarta usually have drivers. Fortunately, taxis are common; but it could be problematic catching one during rush hour. Rush hour occurs during 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Watch out for taxi scams
There are a few different choices taxi companies Jakarta. It is typically best practice to stick with the higher end Silverbird taxi line (Mercedes Benz vehicles) to avoid being taken “the scenic route.” In this cases fraud always occurs.

Motorcycle taxis are not legal
But they do exist illegally. Maybe after you experience motorcycle taxi, you may tell yourself, never again. Definitely for the native Indonesian hitching a motorbike ride to work may be well and good but for the foreigner, it is a perfect way to be caught in scam.

Be watchful with your belongings
According to some reviews, common travelers had more problems in places like Barcelona than Jakarta. Resembling to any tourist destination just be conscious of your surroundings. And if you decide to make way to a more penurious area, or basically a busy mall, don’t carry a designer bag and wear a diamond necklace. No need to make yourself a major target.

On the whole, Jakarta is pretty safe
According to a blogger, she has never felt any imminent threat while living there. And it is not only her living in the city; she has a family, too.

Traffic is terrible
This is probably what you always see in reviews. I don’t think there could be any guide/overview of Jakarta without stating the horrific traffic. In fact, one of the biggest hazards may be crossing a busy intersection. Seemingly it makes Bangkok look like rush hour in the middle of Nebraska.

Warning! Don’t drink the tap water… period!
Even if there is a filter, like they have at many upscale hotels. Avoid it. This rule basically applies throughout Southeast Asia.


Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Westhill Consulting Tours Review: Jakarta Street Food

Jakarta Street Food is a piece of the overall Java / Javanese cuisine, a chief ethnic group in Indonesia. It is well-known for dishes that are sweet, along with being simple. Java / Javanese cuisine can be separated into three main groups, Central Javanese, East Javanese and Common Javanese, all of which are extensively accessible in Jakarta. More and more food reviews are appreciating Jakarta’s cuisine.

Food in Jakarta can be seen in pushcarts along the streets, in cafes, mid-range eateries or fine restaurants. Meals usually consist of white rice, a salad or soup, a main dish of meat or seafood, and finished with a dessert. One dish meals are furthermore very usual. Ingredients that are normally used consist of palm sugar, white rice, potatoes, rice vermicelli, coconut milk, shrimp paste, ginger, turmeric, galangal, tamarind, carp, tilapia, gurame, catfish, chicken, goat, mutton, beef, chili, peanuts and bananas. Pork and beer is rarely consumed being most of Indonesia is Muslim.

Breakfast in Jakarta is typically a one dish, sit down meal, complemented by tea or a fruit juice. Busy office workers normally eat at pushcarts along the streets after work, whereas fried snacks are widespread through the day. Local fast-food, regularly a one dish meal of noodles or rice, is much more normal than International fast food brands. Local desserts are abundant, and variety from savory to sweet.

Westhill Consulting Travel and Tours, Singapore: Gathered sample street food that you will never have complaints for sure.

Bandrek / Spiced Ginger Tea is a hot, spicy, sweet beverage from West Java in Indonesia, and consists of ginger, cinnamon, star anise, cloves, coriander, cardamom, lemongrass, palm sugar, sweet condensed milk, coconut milk, and young coconut meat. Bandrek / Spiced Ginger Tea is a warming drink, often consumed during cold or rainy weather, and is believed to help ailments such as cough, sore throat, and other minor throat irritations.

Bubur Kacang Hijau / Mung Bean Porridge is a warm sweet dessert, popular in Jakarta. Bubur Kacang Hijau / Mung Bean Porridge is made with mung beans / green beans boiled in water, palm sugar and pandan leaves till extremely soft, then garnished with coconut milk.

Emping / Melinjo Chips is a popular snack in Indonesia, and is a type of cracker / chip made from deep fried gnetum gnemon (Belinjo) nut flour. Emping / Melinjo Chips can be consumed plain, and it has a slightly bitter aftertaste. It can also be served salty, sweet, or spicy. Besides being consumed as a snack, Emping / Melinjo Chips is also used as a garnishing for dishes in Jakarta.


Reference:
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Westhill-Consulting-Travel-TOURS-INC/577899938919864